Hey Byrn Enters Florida Derby Picture

Beatrice Oxenberg's HEY BYRN (Put It Back) took command in the stretch and drew off to a convincing, six-length tally in the 3rd race at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, a second-level allowance event for sophomores. The Eddie Plesa Jr. trainee rated just off the pace early before confronting his foes approaching the final turn, and the Florida-bred cruised home from there under Edgar Prado, clocking the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52 3/5 on a track labeled fast.

Toiling in Hey Byrn's wake were a few three-year-olds who were well regarded by their connections. Wonder Mon (Maria's Mon) closed for second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Sleuse (Grand Slam). Bordeaux Bandit (Vindication) was a weary fourth, while the 9-5 favorite, Alaazo (A.P. Indy), wound up last in the six-horse field.

"I'm really pleased with the way this horse has come around this year," Plesa said of Hey Byrn. "We had to stop on him last year with a little blood infection. It's very special to have a good one like this for Mrs. Oxenberg, who named him after her late husband (Bernie)."

Last seen taking an allowance race by 14 1/2 lengths in his yearly debut, the much-improved colt now boasts a 6-3-2-0, $126,000 mark, which includes a placing in the Affirmed S. Plesa indicated that the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on March 29 would be the next start for the bay.

"It's on to the Florida Derby from here, although we'll need to find another rider because Edgar will be riding in Dubai that day," the trainer said.